Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

dmh10 · September 2001

Bob259, I believe you were on the right track when you mentioned checking the oil filter. I checked it last night and it appears that I did not have the filter screwed in tight enough. I will put more oil in it tonight or tomorrow night
and see if tightning up the filter fixes the problem and I am sure it will.

Anyone changing their own oil needs to make sure they have all the o-rings on the filter, they get the filter on tight and be sure to check the oil before you drive the off.

Thanks, bob259 for your help.

52cars · September 2001

picked up my 02ml320(red/java) yesterday. it looks great with brush guard & side step bars(even without the piaa lamps.) Personally, i think the 02 with brush guard and side step bars looks more truck like(tough) than the 01 model.

i have 2 questions though:

1.are those PIAA lamps 'after market products' ? or we can get them from the dealers(they are shown on the 2002 M-class brochure...and that is what i want, so i assume we can get them from the dealers. but my dealer told me yesterday, they don't know when they are getting them.....maybe he just wants to close the deal with me..?)

2. when i picked my truck yesterday, it had 46 miles on it. last year, i picked up my clk with 15 miles on it. friend of mine picked his truck with over 100 miles on it. why there is such 'huge' difference. ? when are the dealers going to step up and say "man, this car has xyz miles on it, we have to sell it as used/demo ?"

thanks

andy.

rockypaul · September 2001

What model and speed rating was on the original General tires mounted on ML's?

biker5 · September 2001

Milage varies somtimes because in some cases the vehicle that you want are not in their inventory, so they have to get it from other dealership around in your area. I got mine with 68 miles on it and to find out where is you ML got from check your window sticker if they gave you one and it should say the original dealer printed on that sticker. Hope this will answer your question.
enjoy your new toy.

bob259 · September 2001

Not a problem. Glad I could help.

redgoatee7 · September 2001

Hey,

I'm looking for pics of Mercedes models for a PowerPoint presentation (b.s. class at school). I can only find tiny pics...do you know of any sites that have larger size pics (i.e. 800 x 600)? I'm specifically looking for the C230 Sports Coupe. Thanks guys.

-Todd

svinaik · September 2001

If anybody becomes aware of any incentives from MB on the 2002 M Class, please advise.

sduff1 · September 2001

Does anyone have any ideas about cupholders for the 3rd seat passengers? I can't believe that no aftermarket company hasn't come up with some.

kenyee · September 2001

Besides what biker5 said, there are two other things that may have happened:
1) the MB delivery centers randomly test a car; you should have a statement to this effect
2) some dealers use it as a demo. While shopping, I found that one dealer around me wouldn't guarantee mine would not be, even if I ordered it; I test drove a new ML320 w/ the wrap on the seats. The Acura dealer around here also said they find that it's better for them to put a small amount of demo miles on each new car than to beat the crap out of a dedicated demo; I beat the crap out of a new Integra GSR w/ wrap on the seats.

hugeness · September 2001

I am in the buying process and I have checked around for incentives and found nothing!!

Let us know if you find out otherwise.

johnnnyc · September 2001

I am in a peculiar situation...

I have a non-refundable, $1k deposit, down on my '02 ML320. Being as I live in NYC and was affected by the disaster (my office is still unoccupied, and will probably remain this way for the rest of Sept.), I've been having second thoughts.

Add to that the fact that the car will almost certainly be delayed - from an original delivery date of November - and half the MY is gone. Another kink to this situation - on my receipt, although clearly marked 'non-refundable' is this, written in legalese: "If the vehicle is not delivered in accordance with this agreement within 30 days after the estimated delivery date, and the delay is not attributable to you, you have the right to cancel this agreement and receive a full refund of your deposit".

I don't like to ditch responsibility - I knew what I was getting into when I put the downpayment - but I am most likely going to call the dealer, and see if we can work something out. I'm sure that MB will give some kind of incentives, because people must be cancelling left and right. I don't mind going through with my commitment - but I don't like the idea of the dealer making the full incentive either.

If anyone hears anything, please let me know. If no incentives are announced, I'm thinking of trying to negotiate on some optional items at cost (thanks for the idea, Ken!).

52cars · September 2001

Thanks.

with 46 miles on it. i like Biker5's answer better. :=)

biker5 · September 2001

U R welcome...mentioned the idea through experience, I got mine from MB Laguna Niguel, and the window sticker say Pasadena, CA.

perra · September 2001

Looking for good snow tires for my '00 ML430. No direct replacements for the "17 wheels were available last year. Anyone have any ideas?

drew_ · September 2001

From past experiences, MB has only provided incentives on end of year models, even in tough times. I wouldn't expect anything to change especially on a recently updated vehicle. There is still, after all, a wait list for these vehicles. IMHO, enjoy the vehicle and don't fret over the last few hundred bucks. It is a MB, you know ;-)

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

akin67 · September 2001

I was wondering what is the Fuel Tank capacity on the 2002 ML500?

My biggest complaint with my existing ML430 is the range I get with a full tank. I believe the ML430 has a 19.5 gallan tank. What is the capacity on the ML500?

michml320 · September 2001

I paid full MSRP. I asked for $1000 off. Nothing. Nada. Zip. On the plus side, I've got 1200 trouble free miles on my 2002 ML320 so I couldn't be happier! 1200 miles would equal about 4 BMW X5's burnt to the ground seeing as how they burn up within 200 miles. Buy the 2002 at whatever price and enjoy the best ML that MB has put out. This one is the one they wanted to build from the start.

52cars · September 2001

according to the M-Class Operator's Manual. not much different than what you have now: for ml320/ml500: 22 gal(including a reserve of 3.2 gal).

akin67 · September 2001

Even a 2.5 Gallon improvement should make a difference. If you are able to average about 17 mpg that should translate into an extra 42 miles of range on a single tank.

Now here is another question. Is the fuel economy much different on the ML500 than the ML430? If the ML500 burns more gas than the additional 2.5 gallons may do nothing in the way of improving range.

I have about 15,000 miles on my 430 and I have been averaging about 17 mpg on combined city/hwy driving.

Does anyone have the official mpg numbers for the two vehicles?

52cars · September 2001

Ml320: 15/19
Ml500: 14/17

go to: www.mbusa.com and start from there.

52cars · September 2001

edmunds.com has all the info u need now

lemongrass · September 2001

Anyone know where I can get bug deflector for my '01 ML430? and also paint clay (I'm not sure what it's called, but it picks up hard to remove oily dirt or something)? TIA

gpvs · September 2001

Got my EGR bug deflector at performanceproducts.com. It's similar to what Drew has and I believe biker5.

For the clay, I purchased mine from Griots Garage.

jrey · September 2001

I may have misunderstood the salesperson today but Jimmy Tureen? from Euromotorcars in Bethesda, MD mentioned a $1,500 rebate on the new 2002's. I was looking for a new 2001 430 I thought I could get a discount on. He recommended the new ML500 because with the rebate it was almost the same price.

Hope that helps.

James

lsweet28 · September 2001

In case anyone out there is wondering...
I just went to look at the 2002 ML320 and the salesperson quoted me $1500 off sticker but
mentioned that he could do better when I said I'd be price shopping. Before last Tuesday I was ready to buy the X5 but now $45K scares me. I'm giving up a few luxuries but am probably looking at $4-5K less for the Mercedes. The Toyota Sequoia was nice but too big. After driving an RX300 for the last three years I'm spoiled on luxury but the Japanese drive leaves me longing for another german car. Anybody finding more than the $1500 off sticker on the 2002 X5?

hugeness · September 2001

Sounds like the MB dealers are getting a little nervous. Maybe this is just an East Coast issue, but I did here my Chicago-area dealer saying how things had slowed considerably the past two weeks. Maybe they are looking at a slow September.

Any other reports out there?

neicey59 · September 2001

I wholeheartedly agree with the post regarding the lack of safety associated with the 2001 models. My ML320 is still stalling and even with the gas floored takes about a minute to accelerate. I agree this can easily cause you to lose your life on the road, and MBUSA should expedite a fix for this problem.

I would be interested to know if accidents have resulted from this problem, and was told by my dealership that MB was "stumped" on how to resolve these issues.

I took my truck on the road from Tampa to Atlanta GA(500 miles?)between the wind noise which nearly ran all of the passengers crazy, and the slow acceleration nearly getting us all killed - it goes w/out saying I will be at the dealership when they open on Monday morning.

Neicey
~~~~waving to Drew from Florida~~~~~~~

52cars · September 2001

i just notice ml320 doesn't come with full size spare tire......quite surprised.

does it fit if i replace it with full size spare tire.?

Thanks

johnnnyc · September 2001

I don't mind going through with the car purchase - I think it's a great car, although now isn't the time to be buying something as expensive (or with as much gas consumption, although that goes for any SUV).

I just shudder to think that this experience could put an additional $1500 in my dealer's pockets without me seeing any of it. If there is an incentive, I'm hoping to get a navigation system out of the deal.

Anyone know anything about possible delays? I was supposed to get my car in mid-November - don't see that happening now.

kenyee · September 2001

Nope. Ask your dealer to show the spare to you. You'll see why. ;-)
If you really need it off-roading, strap a full size spare onto the ML somewhere to get peace of mind. Otherwise, you can pick up a variety of comparable tire sizes for an emergency change in boonie ville so you can drive home at full speed.

John:
You worry too much ;-)
If your car needs replacing, just replace it (ran my Integra into the ground and donated it to charity after 12 yrs). If it doesn't, see if you can get out of that deal w/ your dealer. It sounds like this is bugging you too much to sleep well after picking it up.

johnnnyc · September 2001

I do need a new car. It runs - but I'm no fan of the Honda I've been saddled with. I want a new car.

Besides - truth be told, after what happened last Tuesday, I'm more for buying the new car than ever before. Life's too short to worry about money all the time. Sometimes, you just have to live a little.

It's just that I'd like to live with a free navigation system, that's all ;-)

samzurc1 · September 2001

Finally got a '99 ML430(ruby red) w/running boards (1900 mi.) for 34688 plus tax and lic. fr. fjmercdes in ca. this was $4600 below the edmund's dealer certified price. got an extra starmark warranty for 3 years for 1500. got it OTD for 38600. d o you think i got a good deal ???comments please!!! what's the best tires for this car. my wife and kids ride in it. Is it as safe and reliable as the reviews say it is...thanks guys...

lsweet28 · September 2001

I drove the 2002 ML320 and noticed the hesitation when accelerating . The salesperson said that someone probably put less than premium gas in the tank. He also said that a brand new one will do that until the moisture is out of the gas tank and that it will go away after a tank of gas or two. Did anyone find this to be the case? It's a big deal to me. Someone mentioned a $1500 rebate... I know that there is a 3% of MSRP dealer holdback that is about $1,500.

djdj · September 2001

1900 miles? Or 19,000?

Congrats on the purchase. They are great vehicles to drive. I bought a 2000 ML320 last June. Starmark is definitely the way to go.

Seems a decent enough price. Mine was also several thousand below what Edmunds said, so I definitely think they are too high on their used purchase prices.

I haven't bought tires yet, but the Dunlops on now ride good enough so I'd probably buy another set.

samzurc1 · September 2001

i just purchased a 430 but my wife wants third seats. does any one know where i can buy these for less than what the dealer is charging me.($2000) the
manager said there is a shortage of this parts( back order). is this true ?

52cars · September 2001

i feel the same with my 02ml320. so far, i got 200 miles on it. hope it will go away.(..maybe i got used to the clk???)
0 to 60 in 9 seconds?(according to the 02 m-class brochure) how ?

once the car gets moving, it is ok. but it doesn't seem like to move........

car is still new.....or maybe V-8 is needed?

adam86 · September 2001

Is it even possible to install the 3rd row seats at the dealer? I was told they had to come installed with car from the plant.

hhm1644 · September 2001

I just posted, but in response to all of you who are enquiring re: the hesitation, I'm here to tell you it does NOT go away. (2001 ML320 with 12,000 miles has gotten WORSE). MB says their "service engineers" are working on a fix for the software which is causing the hesitation problem. TO me this is a safety issue, as I have almost been struck when the car doesn't move in response to the gas being pressed.

I had held out hopes that a trade=in, with MBUSA helping me out on the valuation, might mean a 2002 without the problem, but the last few posts have me deciding even the new ones have this issue. I love my ML, but this is a HUGE issue, and the MDX, while not as much for the money, may be where I'm headed later this week to get away from the hesitation.

Anybody have advice, I'm willing to listen.

52cars · September 2001

i am still hoping/believe it will get better as it goes. but please let us/me know how you work out with that issues. thankx

biker5 · September 2001

will not go away, until the MB engineers say they will fine the computer glitz on this hesitation ISSUE. I have 21,000+ on MY2000 ML320 and the hesitation still there. good luck to all of us.
I just love this vehicle :-)

lemongrass,
Bug Deflector work great...

gpvs,
have you install yours yet?

gpvs · September 2001

Currently too busy with other stuff but will be installing it pretty soon. Hopefully, this week will be a little bit lighter at work so I should be able to do one. Will shoot you an email with pix once it's done.

hhm1644 · September 2001

Just got a call from my dealer (who has handled it well) about the hesitation issue. Our district rep has the same issue in his ML, and is installing some kind of 100amp something or other that is supposed to be a temporary fix til the software issue is found. I asked if this would be a "jerry-rigged" type of fix, and he said no, but it sounds fishy to me. What if the amp causes other problems? I guess I'm going to try it as they claim there will be no way to give me good value and put me in something else at this point. Should I pursue that further up the line or go with the fix, even if temporarily?

kenyee · September 2001

hhm1644:
I'd suggest getting as much detail as you can and posting it here and on the m-class mailing list to see if folks think it's a hack. Some of the folks work in the auto parts industry...

johnnnyc · September 2001

of the mailing list users, to see how many are affected/have experienced this hesitation?

Sounds to me like a programming glitch, if the transmission is adaptive.

lsweet28 · September 2001

I drove the ML320 again today to see if I could live with the hesitation. I only noticed it from standing still. Did I miss something? Does it hesitate when the car is already moving? I'm still trying to decide if I should cough up the extra $5,000 for the X5. Any input is greatly appreciated.

52cars · September 2001

i don't have any problem in changing lane, but getting out of the toll booth is a different story.... :=(

my car is still new. i don't want to push it...will see.

sharon · September 2001

I have a 2000 ML320 with the 3rd row seats. Suddenly, I can't lift the 2nd row seat to access the back. The seat-back folds down, but pulling up on the handle does nothing.

Searching around I discovered that the handle is attached to a wire that has two little black things that are supposed to fit somehow around two eye hooks. They press the eyehooks togther when you pull up on the handle.

I'm uncertain how they fit and am afraid if I force things, I'll break something. Can someone post a picture, or a good description of how that wire fits into the eyehooks?

Thanks a million

Sharon

marylandml320 · September 2001

Has this been a confirmed problem? If so, what model years does this effect? I have a ML320 00 (17,000 miles) and notice no hesitation at all, it accelerates very strong from a standing start. I know in 2001 they upgraded the fuel injection program...

lemongrass · September 2001

I'm in the process of buying a house (which will be built from the ground up) and I need to know which garage door opener is MOST compatible with my '01 ML430. TIA

kenyee · September 2001

John:
No poll I know of, but enough have complained about it here and there that I think it does exist on some cars and it may have to do w/ your driving style.

Usual comment is "I'm at an intersection trying to merge, stomp on it and it hesitates while a car comes headed right at me". I drive with a large safety margin, so I wouldn't normally get in such a situation ;-), but I have noticed a slight lag in acceleration (I press foot down, it doesn't move for a little while) at times.

Also, if you look under the gas pedal, you'll notice a button. If you push the pedal all the way down until you hear it click, there should be no hesitation at all. It's the "kickdown button" and is interpreted to mean "move NOW" :-)

Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier

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